Maritime Security Lesson from an Environmental Disaster

 As we wait for the results of the investigation into the BP/ Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, one thing appears fairly certain based upon currently published information, and that is that corners may have been cut and unnecessary risks may have been taken. This is not really surprising. We cut corners and take calculated risks every day, often with no negative consequences. Who has never exceeded the speed limit while driving? The natural reaction of politicians and bureaucrats is to make more laws and regulations to fix the problems before we know for sure what the problems are. We may find that the problem wasn't a lack of adequate laws and regulations, but perhaps it was the lack of enforcement, oversight and compliance with the existing laws and regulations. If so, why would the level of enforcement, oversight and compliance drop to a level where an accident like this might occur? Perhaps because they had not had a major accident with similar operations in the recent past to remind them of the threat. BP was reportedly celebrating a safety milestone at the time of the disastrous blowout. If people have not experienced a major accident in quite some time, their minds allow them to believe the threat has become diminished. In actuality the threat has not diminished with the passage of time, but still corners are cut and unnecessary risks are taken, because the precautions that once seemed necessary may now seem like overkill.  Following the attacks of 9/11, the international community passed the ISPS code. Ships, boats, ports and facilities around the world are required to implement security plans which address all relevant threat scenarios. As the years go by without major successful attacks, it is human nature to let our guard down because in our minds the threat has diminished. It has not. Even after six years of full implementation of maritime security plans, many do not understand the threat or the requirements. Do enforcement personnel understand their roles and give full attention to the security programs, or are they still focused mostly on signage and paperwork? Do industry members have good plans that address specific threat scenarios and give clear and concise guidance to those charged with implementing them? Are proper screening, monitoring and drilling conducted as intended by the regulations? We can't go back in time and make those involved in the BP/ Deepwater Horizon disaster make different decisions, but going forward we can ensure we do not lose sight of the threats to our security in the maritime industry. Imagine the answers that would be given to Anderson Cooper on CNN in the weeks following a terrorist attack involving your vessel or port facility. Would they be adequate? Or would it be déjà vu?